Lievland Café: Contemporary Café Fare on an Historic Stellenbosch Estate

Driving into the historic Lievland Vineyards, a short drive from Stellenbosch off the R44, a lovely Cape Dutch farm setting awaits, a valley of tranquillity surrounded by gentle green hills, verdant lawns, a goose-dotted pond, ponies, springbok and two peacocks. Alongside the manor house, the all-day café-restaurant is a delightful refuge in an atmospheric old farm building, a long, light, glass-windowed room with fires burning brightly at each end, and a cosy wood-ceilinged inner room with a bar and various seating nooks. Outside beautiful old oak trees create a sense of place, with pasture-perfect views in every direction.

Contemporary café food

Run by the experienced team behind Joostenberg Bistro and Postcard Café, chef Hayley Wyngaard and her team work under the guidance of Garth Bedford to showcase seasonal, local produce with a nod to the Mediterranean. The well-conceived bistro-style menu changes often and takes you from breakfast to brunch and lunch. Rustic enough to suit the farm setting, with deft contemporary twists, it’s just what you want for a relaxed Winelands lunch. Tempting starters such as baked goats’ cheese with garlic and cream; tomato, heerenbone and vegetable soup with chimichurri; or a simple fig, coppa ham and rocket salad set the mood to slow food. Then move on to a hearty chicken casserole with red wine and mushrooms on mashed potato; Parisian gnocchi with artichokes; a juicy burger, or sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce. For a quick weekday business lunch, there’s a menu section devoted to simple bites too, such as a croque monsieur, pie and mash, or a ham and mozzarella flatbread.

A short kids’ menu features Bolognese pasta, chicken strips, a white cheddar farm toastie and chips. On a sunny day, there’s plenty of room for them to play outdoors on the sprawling lawns.

A leisurely summer brunch

While the delicious and varied breakfast menu is tempting, may we suggest the three-course summer brunch menu? Ideal for an unhurried mid-morning catch-up with friends and family, accompanied, of course, by a glass or two of bubbly. Expect shared platters of charcuterie and cheese with fresh bread, seed crackers and Melba toast, with pickles and relish.

A choice of hot breakfast dishes includes brioche French toast with mascarpone and summer berries, cheesy baked spinach and gammon-filled pancake with salad, or Klein Liev – one free-range egg, belly rasher, pork and fennel sausage, tomato smoor and toast. And a selection of dessert pastries (lemon drizzle square, canelé and chocolate truffles) is a suitable decadent finale.
Cost R345
Good to know The cost includes freshly squeezed orange juice, water, tea and coffee.

Sun-soaked Winelands picnic

With its Cape Dutch farmhouse, emerald lawns stretching to a goose-dotted dam and vineyard-covered hills in the background, Lievland is a charming spot for a lesurely summer picnic. Baskets overflow with an abundance of summery treats – such as fresh breads and spreads, a curated cheese selection, Overberg trout, smoked free-range beef brisket, vibrant salads, and decadent desserts. Accompanied by a chilled bottle of Lievland Vineyards wine, you can settle in and enjoy your picnic among the serene beauty.
Good to know Vegetarian and kids’ options are also available.
See the menu
Cost R350
Opening time Daily, 10am – 3pm
Contact 021 879 7892, [email protected]
Book through DinePlan

Wine-tasting with a view

Photos: Bea Glenister (left); Rob Wittle (right)

From old vine chenin blanc to bushvine pinotage and classic cabernet sauvignon, Lievland’s winemaker, Riaan Möller aims for the perfect balance between old-world elegance and new-world bright fruit. Before or after your meal, head to the nearby gabled Cape Dutch manor house to enjoy a tasting of all six varietals.
Cost R110 (6 wines)
Opening times Daily, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 879 9894, [email protected]
Book a tasting

A charming pastoral farm setting for a slow-living reset and delicious gatherings with friends and family.

Good to know Lievland can be hired as a venue for private events, celebrations and weddings.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 11.30am; 12pm – 4pm
Contact 021 879 7892, [email protected]
Where to find it Lievland Vineyards, R44, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

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